OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.
OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all employees in the work environment. Head and face protection is required in most industrial facilities and must be strictly adhered to. This protection is designed to effectively guard against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.
Noise-related hearing loss had been listed as one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns in the United States. Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Neither surgery nor a hearing aid can help correct this type of hearing loss.
When employees must work in environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present, they need respirators. These health hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or death. Where toxic substances are present in the workplace and engineering controls are inadequate to reduce or eliminate them, respirators are required.
Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.
Welding, cutting, and brazing are hazardous activities that pose a unique combination of both safety and health ricks and, within OSHA, are addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, and construction industry.
Employers must ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects, piercing the sole, and where such employees’ feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful “fits” assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce.
OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in long shoring operations.
Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant work vests. Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line shall be provided and readily available for emergency rescue operations. Distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 200 feet.
Protective clothing users realize that no single combination of protective equipments and clothing is capable of protecting you against all hazards. Thus protective clothing should be used in conjunction with other protective methods.
High visibility is one of the most prominent needs for workers who must perform tasks near moving vehicles or equipment. The need to be seen by those who drive or operate vehicles or equipment is recognized as a critical issue for worker safety. The sooner a worker in or near the path of travel is seen, the more time the operator has to avoid the accident. Go to www.fhwa.dot.gov for complete information.